Roy Philip Jorgensen was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa on September 16, 1950 to Phyllis (Warland) Nilles and Roy Jorgensen. He had four older sisters who kept him in line. They had horses that Phil was responsible for cleaning and feeding before and after school.
He attended St. Mary’s School in Remsen, Iowa and graduated from Remsen High School.
He started college at the University of Iowa. While there, he had a major car accident where he suffered a traumatic brain injury and spent many days in the hospital. He was unconscious for 46 of those days. He had to relearn how to walk and talk, as well as other daily activities. His mother was responsible for much of his care and rehabilitation. He recovered fairly well.
He went on to go to college in Marshall, MN, where he would help other physically handicapped young men. Later, he attended UW Stout in Menominee, WI. He then went on to do vocational rehabilitation work with the Hopi Indians in Arizona.
Phil came to Rochester around 1980 and worked at the Ramada Inn as a maintenance man. In February of1982, he was introduced to his wife, Valerie, by her cousin and they later married in November of the same year. Phil later worked for 7 years at Calvary Episcopal Church as their maintenance person. He worked for Walmart as a greeter and greenhouse person. Phil was successful with his one mission in life: being a loving husband and devoted father.
Phil is survived by his wife, Valerie Jorgensen; son, Joshua Jorgensen; daughter-in-law, Nicole Jorgensen; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by mother, Phyllis Nilles; father, Roy Jorgensen; sisters, Sharon Henson, Peggy Sanow, Sandy Augustine, and Rosetta Jorgensen.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minnesota.
A Celebration of Life will be at a later date.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
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